Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



March 20, 1928.

I S. B. HASELTINE FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Original Filed Feb. 8.1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 JrzuenZZr Reissued Mar. 20, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

STACY nnAsEn'rrNE, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, 'BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, T

w. n, MINER, INc., A coaroRA'rIoN OF DELAWARE.

FRICTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM.

Original No. 1,571,898, dated February 2, 1926, Serial No. 617,678, filed February 8, 1923. Application for reissue filed November 8,

1926. Serial No. 147,161.

This invention relates to improvements in frictionshock absorbing mechanisms.

A general object of the invention is to provide a friction shock absorbing mechanism, especially adapted for railway draft riggings, wherein are obtained high capacity and easy release with the employment of relatively few friction elements, each of economical and rugged construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a friction mechanism of the character indicated, wherein the high capacity is obtained by means of a seriesof friction elements having a keen wedging angle effect during compression, said elements beingso formed and related that, in release, the effect of a. relatively blunt angle is obtained.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide, in a mechanism of the character indicated, a friction unit consistingof a plurality of elements, each having inclined face engagement with the remaining elements of the unit, the unit being so designed that the element to which the actuating force is applied initially, tends to spread or expand the unit transverse tothe line of the applied force, this tendency, however, being overcome or overbalanced by a creative force acting transversely and operative to expand or spread the unit longitudinally, or in the direction of the applied forces, to the end of creating high frictional resistance be-' tween the unit and cooperating confining member. y

A still further object of the invention is to provide a friction shock absorbing mechanism including a combined spring cage and friction shell, friction shoes and wedge means co-operating therewith, and twin arranged spring resistance elements within the cage, wherein the wedge and shell are provided with co-operating means for limiting the outward movement of the wedge to hold the parts assembled and maintain the mechanism of uniform overall length, thereby dispensing with the usual retainer bolt and otherwise greatly simplifying the construction.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from" the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawings forming a part of this.

specification, Figure 1 is a horizontal longs tudinal sectional view of a portion of a rail way draft rigging. showing my improvements in connection therewith. Figure 2 is a front end elevation of the shock I ahsorbing mechanism proper. Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the shock absorbing mechanism proper corresponding to the line 33 of Figure l. And Figures 4 and 5 are detail perspectives of the pressure receiving element and one of the friction shoes, respectively.

7 In said drawings, 1010 denote the usual draft sills of a car underframe to the inner faces of which are secured front stop lugs 11 and rear stop lugs 12. A portion of a draw bar is indicated at 13, the same being ,operatively' associated with the shock absorbing mechanism proper by a hooded cast yoke 14 within which said mechanism is disposed andalso a front follower 15. The yoke and parts therewithin are supported in operative position by a detachable saddle plate 16. v I

The improved shock absorbing mechanism proper, as shown, comprises, broadly, a combined friction shelland spring cage casting A; twin v arranged;springs B-B; a spring follower C; a pressure-receiving wedge element D; and two friction shoes E and F.

The casting A, as shown, is formed, with top and bottom walls. 17- 17, side walls 18-18 and rear wall 19, all integrally formed. The side walls 18 are made relatively shortso as to leave the major portion of the sides of the casting A open to admit of the insertion and removalof certain of the parts. The inner faces of the side walls 18 are recessedjas indicated at 20 to thereby detachably, accommodate heavy of draft. The other liner 22 is formed on its inner facewith an opposing friction surface 2a which is inclined at a relatively acute angle .with respect to the center line of the mechanism, thus making the opposed friction surfaces 23 and 24c relatively converged V inwardly of the shell. 1 A Thepressure-receiving wedge element D is preferably in the form of a cored cast luu block havin a front or cuter flat bearing ing the wedge and, further,

the axis of the mechanism. The element D is also provided on the side-oppositeto the Wedge face.26 with another inclined face 27 extending at a relatively blunt angle with respect to the axis of the mechanism. .011 its top and bottom faces, at its inner end, the element D is provided with lugs 28-28 which are adapted to co-operate with opposed oppositely extending lugs or-shoulders 2929 formed on theinnerfaces of the top and'bottom walls 17 tollimi't the outward movement of the element D with-respect to the casting A and'thereby maintain the overalllength of the mechanism. By referring to F-ig. 4, it will be noted that the end or'non-wedging sides of the wedge D on-which the. flat or planeoutw ardly of thelugs or shoulders 28 so that, not only is the wedge D per mitted to move longitudinally relative to the shell lugs or shoulders 29 but, in addition, the wedge D'is permitted or adapted to shift laterally with respect to the lugs 29 andthe shell. This is of importance, not

' only in a gear where the friction surfaces of the shell converge as in the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings, in which case some lateral shift of the Wedge is necessary, but in any gear of the type where the-actuatingpressure is directly received bythe outer end of the wedge. There is always the possibility of the application of an eccentric load to a pressure-transmitting Wedge which involves the tendency of tiltin actual practice, it is diflicult toinsure such accuracy of size of the wedge and friction elements as to always accurately know the exact position of the wedge with reference to the center; line of the gear;

' The wedge friction-shoe element'F, also preferably in the form of a cored casting,

is provided on its'outer side with a flat frictionsurface 30 extending at the same angle as and cooperable with the shell friction-surface 24. 'On its inner side, that is,

the side nearest the-axis of the mechanism,

"the element F- is formed witha la'teral enlargement on the front side of which is provided an inclined face 31 cooperable 55 mentD. On therear side of said en a-rgement another face 32 isprovidedfsaid fac'es 3-1 and 32 making the same angle with the center line of the mechanism, but extending in opposite directions, thereby presenting withthe inclined face-27 of the wed' e eleafwedge operable laterally of the shell.

The wedge friction s'hoeelement E, also preferably in the form of a cored casting, is 'formedon its outer side with a longitudiqnallyex'tending flat friction surface'33 parlugs 28 are provided, are

"friction surface 23. The element E is also provided with an inclined wedge face 34: extending atthe same angle as and cooperablewith the wedge face 26 disposed at one side of the center line of the mechanism and with an additional inclined face 35 on the other side'of the center line of the mechanism, said face 35 extending at the same an gle "as andcooperable with the face 32 of the element F. On its inner end, the element E is provided" with a transversely extending-fiat face 36 bearing'on the front side of the spring followerC. The latter is interposed between the element E and the twin arranged springs Bandit will'beseen that the follower C is normally separated from theinner ends of the liners 21 and 22,

and walls 18 of the friction shell.

The operation is as follows, assuming an inward or bufling movement of the draw bar. As pressure is applied to the element D, the initial tendency is for the latter to slip or move inwardly of the shell with respect to the keen angle shoe E on the two cooperativewedge faces 26 and34, it being evident that thisten dency is in a manner to spread the friction unit consisting of the three elements, late rally.' As the three elements cooperating as a unit move inwardly of the shell, the shoe F travelsalong the inclined shell surface 24, thereby inducing a lateral inward movement of sa-id element F with respect to the two remainingelemen-ts D and E. This lateral movement of the element F produces a separating wedge action between the twoelements D and E, thereby slightly elongating the unit'in the direction of the applied force and creat'inga very high resistance between the unit and the shell, it being, of course,

- relative blunt angularity with respect to the center line ofthe mechanism or the line of applied force, will readily accommodatethe action above "described and will act" someunderstood that yielding resistance is alforde'dfthe entire unit by the what in the manner of safety valves to pre- I frictional resistance is still maintained. Ample clearance is left between the various elements to provide for the actiondescribed. Upon discontinuance of the actuating force,

the pressure Wedge element: D will readily release itself with respect to the elementsF and E on account of the relatively blunt angle of the co-operating faces 27 and 31- and also on account of the obtuse or blunt in- 'vent bursting of the shell while the high tially' receiving the actuating slight gradual outward working of the two shoesE and F, the overall length of the mechanism being maintained constant by the wedge element D in cooperation. with the shell, as heretofore explained, and in this connection it will be understood that the springsB are preferably initially placed under preliminary compression to allow fora slight expansion as wear takes place.

From the preceding description, 'takenin connection'with the drawings, it will be seen that all of the friction elements are of simple, rugged and economical design. By varying the angle of the different sets of cooperating inclined faces, the desired amount of capacity may be obtained, and release always insured.

Although I haveherein shown and described what I'now consider the preferred manner of carrying out the invention, the same isby way of illustration only, as I am aware that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. c

1. Ina friction shock" absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction shell having interior opposed friction, surfaces relatively converged inwardly of the'shell; of a spring resistance;-and a friction unit within and cooperable with said shell, said unit comprising a plurality of elements each having engagement-with the remaining elefaces inclined to the the element iniforce tending to expand the unit transversely to the line ofthe actuating force, nd one of-the-rem'ents of the unit'on line of the actuating force,

maining elements operating to overbalance said tendency and expanding the unit in the direction of the applied force during a compression stroke.

2. In a friction shock nism, the of a friction shell having interior opposed friction surfaces extending in the general direction ofthe actuating force; a spring resistance; and a friction unit'within and cooperable with said shell, said unit comprising a pressure-receiving wedge element engaging the main follower, and twofrlction shoes with each of which said wedge element has engagement of the applied force, engagement with each other on faces inon faces inclined to the line said shoes having also clined to the line of the appliedforce.

outwardly by the reaction of absorbing mecha combination with a main follower;

3. In a frictionshock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction shell havinginterior opposed friction surfaces extending in thegeneral direction of the actuating force; of a spring resistance; pressuret-ransmitting member and a friction unit within and cooperable with said shell, said unit comprising a pressure-receiving wedge element and two friction shoes, said wedge element and pressure transmitting member having coacting flat faces disposed transversely of the mechanism, and said wedge element and one shoe having engaging faces extending at a relatively acute angle with respect to the line of the applied force, said wedge element and the other shoe having'engaging faces extending at a relatively blunt angle with respect to the line of the applied force and said two shoes-having engaging faces extending at a relatively blunt angle with respect to the line of the applied force.

4. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction'shell having interior opposed friction surfaces extending in the general direction of them;- tuatin'g force; of a spring resistance; a pressure-transmitting member; and a friction unit within and co-operable with said shell, said unit comprising, a pressure rec'eiving wedge element, and a plurality of i friction shoes cooperable with the shell friction surfaces, said pressure-receiving element and" pressure transmitting member having cooperating'flat faces, and one shoe having a face extending inwardly of the shell at a relatively acute angle with respectto the axis thereof, another shoe having a face inclined inwardly of the shell at a rela tively blunt angle 'wlth' respect to the axis thereof, said wedgeelement having corresponding cooperating faces engaging said shoe faces, said shoe having said blunt angled face having also an additional face inclined in the opposite direction and co-operable with a corresponding face on another friction shoe.

5. In a friction shock absorbing me'cha' nism, the combination with a friction shell having interior opposed friction surfaces extending in the general direction of the actuating force; of a spring resistance; a main follower; and a frictionunit within and cooperable with said shell, said unit comprising a friction shoe having an outer friction surface cooperable with a shell surface and provided on its inner side with a laterally extending wedge sectiong an opposedfriction shoe having a lateral extension toward the firstnamed friction shoe, said lateral extension having an inclined face cooperable with one of the faces of said wedge section of the first named shoe; and apressure-receiving wedge element actuated by said main follower and movable bodily therewith longit-udinaly of the mechanism,

1 ail-iced. surf e of he clined surface sa d e ement having) elat e y nwar y c nverged fac s c mpa ab e th conepend ng c s on ai f ti n s oe 6- In a i on s o k a r ng m anism, the combination with a friction shell having opposed interior friction surfaces, one of which extends parallel to the center line of the mechanism and the other at a relatively acute angle with respect to said en e ne; of a sp ng r si c nd a iction unitwit'hin and cooperatingwith the shell friction surfaces, said unit comprising a pressure receiving wedge element and opposing friction shoes, said wedge element and the shoe operating on saidins l h ing ng n faces xten i g at a bl nt angl th vr spectt th a is'of he Shel Sa d p ssurereceiving eleme a pp e o a ing n a in f c s ext at a keen a gl v fr ction means with respect to the axis of the shell. a

7, In a friction shock absorbingmechanism, the combination with a friction shell having opposed interior friction surfaces, one of which extends parallel to the center line-ofthe mechanism and the otherat a relatively acutegangle with respect to said center line; ofa spring resistance; and a friction unitwithin and cooperating with the shell friction surfaces, said, unit comprising a pressure receiving wedge element shoe'operating on sa1d inof the, shell al g enga n faces extendin at a blunt angle with respec-t to the axis of the shell, said pressurereceiving element and opposed shoe having engaging faces extending at a keenangle with respect to the axis of the shell, said two shoes having also engaging faces inclined with the axisv of the shell at the same angle as the-inclination of the cooperating faces of the pressure element andt'he first named shoe, but, in the opposite direction. I "8. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction shell having opposed-interior friction Surfaces, one of which extends parallel to the center line of the mechanism and thevothe 31 a relatively. acute angle with respect to said center line; of a spring resistance; and a frictionunit Within and cooperating with the shell friction surfaces, said unit comandopposing friction shoes, saidwedge element and the prising a pressure-receiving wedge element and opposing friction shoes, Said wedge element and one shoe havingengaging faces extending at a blunt angle with respect to the axis ofthe shell, said pressure-receiving element'and opposed shoe having engaging facesextending at a keen angle with respect to the axis ofthe shell. I I

9. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a frictionishell having interior opposed friction-surfaces exin the general direction of the -act-u-- of the wedge, the abutment means wedge being formed integral therewith.

friction shell, one

ling engagement with bar and shell having.

- ice/ force; of a main follower; a sprin resistance; and a friction unit within and cooperablewith said shell, said unitconr prising a pressure receiving wedgeelement and two friction shoes, said wedge element vhaving a transverse face bearing on said follower, said element and one shoe having engaging faces extending at a relatively I acute an 1e with respectto the line of the applied orce, said wedge element andv the other shoe having engaging faces extending at a relatively b'lunt angle with respect to the line of the applied force and said two shoes having engaging faces extending at an angle with respect to theline of the applied force. I l

10. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a combined fricti'on shell and spring cage; said spring cage having a rear Wall integral therewith of co-operatlng with the shell, said means including a wedge member and friction shoes; andtwin arranged spring resistance elements within the cage c'o-o 'rating with the friction means, said .sh elhand wedge having co-operating abutment means thereon for limiting the outward movemelrlit ,of t e 11. In a friction shock absorbingmechanism, the combination with a-combined friction shell and spring cage, said cage being closed at oneendby a-wallintegral therewith; of twin arranged spring resistance elementswithin the cage; a springfollower cooperating with t-he spr ng resistance elements; friction shoes co-operating with the of said shoes bearin directly on thespring follower; and-a un tary pressure-transmitting member having wedgthe shoes, said meniinter-engagin abutment means thereon for limiting the outward movement of the member, the abutment means on the member being integral therewith.

, v 12. In a friction shock absorbing mecha nism, the combination with a combined friction'shell and spring cage, the friction shell being at one end of the cage and of rectangular form and havin opposed friction'surfa ces, the other end ,0 the cage being closed by an integral wall,- .a pair of friction shoes co-operating with the friction surfaces of the shell; twin arranged spring resistance elements within the cage; a springfollower co-operating with theshoes; a' wedge block coroperating with ,the shoes, s aid wedge block having top bottom lugs and revtainer lugs on the-top and bottom walls of the shell co opera ting with the lugs JofIthe wedge block .to limit the .,outward movement of the same and hold. theiparts of the mechanismf assembledand maintain the latter of overall .nniform length.

13. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction shell; of a spring resistance; friction elements; a wedge having an end face for directly receiving the applied force, inwardly converging wedge faces and nonwedging sides; and means limiting the outward movement of said wedge, said means comprising co-operable shoulders on the shell and the non-wedging sides of the wedge, said sides, outwardly of said shoulders thereon, being plane whereby said wedge is adapted for lateral shift relative to said shell shoulders in addition to longitudinal movement relative thereto.

14. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a friction shell having interior opposed longitudinalliy exhave hereunto subscribed my name this 30th.

day of October, 1926.

, STACY B. HASELTINE. 

